The Zenith Pilot collectionBASELWORLD 2013: Three new watch models
Three new models round out the exceptional 2013 Zenith Pilot range. The first, the Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Annual Calendar, is equipped with a high-precision El Primero 4054 B movement, an evolution of the famous El Primero chronograph (36,000 vibrations per hour) produced in-house by the Manufacture for over 40 years.
In addition to the hours, minutes, small seconds and a chronograph with 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, this model also displays an annual calendar – showing the date, day of the week and month – that requires just one adjustment per year in the transition from February to March. This cleverly conceived and aesthetically restrained complication comprises just nine moving parts, whereas most calendars require 30 or 40. This timepiece is available in a steel or two-tone titanium and rose gold version. In a nod to the Swiss civil aviation registration system, the letters HB appear on the side of the case, followed by a figure referring to the model’s series number.
The Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 Tourbillon also makes a noteworthy appearance in the collection. This titanium and rose gold tourbillon model features a rotating carriage in the upper left-hand part of the dial, as well as incorporating a date indication. This asymmetrical aesthetic serves to highlight the tourbillon mechanism that is visible through the dial opening, while preserving the slender proportions and elegant lines of this watch. The date driven by a patented system is displayed by means of a disc surrounding the carriage. This model is powered by the automatic El Primero 4035 D chronograph calibre, while the side of the case bears the letters HB followed by a figure referring to the watch’s series number.
Finally, the Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 model combines the magic of a history-filled timepiece with a more classic 40 mm size. This unisex model carries all the pilot’s watch signature codes – hours, minutes and small seconds at 9 o’clock – framed by a steel case bearing on its side the HB letters typical of Swiss aviation registration systems, followed by a figure referring to the model’s series number.